Promises I Intend To Keep

In the spirit of following in the footsteps of nearly everyone on my Facebook Feed, I decided yesterday to share my 2013 year in review. Now, looking forward, there are a few things I'd like to share with whoever reads this blog about my goals for 2014. That way, I have them in writing, and I have people to hold me accountable.

1. Write more. The last few "starts of seasons," I've said I was going to finish a book, or a story, but looking back I know that's super unrealistic. With work (more about my new job to come), school starting back up and just normal life, I think writing this blog and working some here and there on my writing will be enough to keep the creative juices flowing.

2. Have more life experiences. I recently read somewhere that it's hard to write when you have nothing to write about. This, I'm coming to realize, is incredibly true. I had a ton of life experiences last year, but a lot of them were DECA related, which is hard to work into a novel. In 2014, I want to explore more places, do more things, and experience the world around me - maybe a little bit more than the world of my computer.

3. Actually use my planner. I have a $35 planner from Lilly that I NEVER use. Literally, the only things I put in it are big dates on my monthly. This year, I want to start using it more for classes, planning this blog, and keeping track of commitments with friends.

4. Interact with more online content creators. There was a time, long ago, when I followed 40 different blogs and interacted with their writers on a near daily basis. Today, I only keep in touch with one, Micaela, via Facebook. I would LOVE to find more friends online, and actually interact with them as the year goes on.

5. Get involved on campus. Last semester, it was virtually impossible to do much more than the 2 successful DECA meetings we held. I went straight from my 8-12 classes to 1-6 work half an hour away, missing pretty much all university sponsored events. The upside to having a more flexible employer and taking my classes online? A ton more chances to get involved on campus, and possibly spread the word about UNT Collegiate DECA in the process.

And on that note...Congrats to UNT on their Heart of Texas Bowl win this afternoon! I may not have a ton of school spirit, but I am incredibly proud of my Mean Green players.

What are YOUR New Year's resolutions? How do you intend on making sure they happen? And leave your blog in your comment if you have one! Let's make #4 happen.

Lucky Number 13

It's very rare that I ever say "I don't remember," mostly due to the fact that I seem to have an uncanny sense for remembering the minute details in nearly every event in my life. But, to me, it feels like the beginning of 2013 went by in a blur, faster than light and leaving not a single memory leading up to, at the most vague points, the first weekend of rehearsals for Scarborough in March.

Nothing. I remember nothing. But the events after that...I'll never forget. 2013 has been one of the most amazing years of my life. From running for National Office (and finishing my term as a State Officer), to graduating from Birdville, to my first day in school, the friendships I made (and even the ones I lost), I burned some pretty intense memories into my head for what I hope to be the rest of my years.

The first and ONLY time I will ever rep Burnt Orange (GO TROJANS!)

Working with my DECA best friend Caleb for the last time as a State Officer.

I got to bond with my Faire Brother, Topher

I worked with an amazing group of student leaders I'm proud to call my friends.

I went to prom with this Silly Panda.

At orientation, I made so many friends (including Morgan the crazy girl in front of me, who got engaged tonight. Congrats, girl, love ya!) 

I joined the fabulous Texas Collegiate DECA State Officer Team

Celebrated my one year anniversary with my best man.

and gained about 20 psuedo kids at my job in Justin.

Lastly, I made some pretty fantastic friends.

I am so grateful for the opportunities I was presented with in 2013. This has been such a fantastic year for me, despite its ups and downs, and I wouldn't have traded it for the world. I only hope that this year has been as kind to you, dear readers, how ever many or few of you there are, as it has been to me.